First Layer Adhesion Problems

Ensuring that the first layer of your print adheres firmly to the print bed is crucial for a successful print. If the first layer doesn’t stick well, it can lead to issues with the remainder of your print. Fortunately, there are several ways to address first-layer adhesion problems.

Common Causes and Solutions:

The Print Bed Is Not Level

If your printer has an adjustable bed and does not have an auto-levelling function, then your print bed may not be level. An uneven bed can cause one side to be too close to the nozzle and the other too far, leading to poor first-layer adhesion. To resolve this issue, you'll need to ensure that your print bed is level. Most slicers include a bed levelling guide that coaches you through the process.

The Nozzle Is Too Far from the Bed

After levelling the bed, the next step is to ensure the nozzle is at the correct height relative to the build platform. Ideally, the filament should be slightly pressed against the bed for good adhesion. For more precision, you can adjust the nozzle height through your slicer software. Make these adjustments in small increments, as even minor changes can make a big difference.

The First Layer Is Printing Too Fast

Printing the first layer too quickly can prevent the plastic from sticking properly to the build platform. Slowing down the first layer gives the filament more time to adhere. Try reducing the speed if your printer seems to be moving too fast during the first layer.

Temperature Settings

Plastic shrinks as it cools, which can cause the first layer to pull away from the bed - heated beds help by keeping the first layer warm, reducing shrinkage issues. If your printer has a heated bed, try setting it to 60-70°C for PLA and 100-120°C for ABS. If your printer has a cooling fan, disabling it for the first few layers can also help prevent the filament from cooling too quickly. For ABS prints, it’s common to disable the fan entirely.

Print Bed Surface (Tape, Glue, and Materials)

Different filaments adhere better to different print bed surfaces. Some printers include special build surfaces optimised for specific filaments, such as BuildTak for PLA or Borosilicate glass for ABS. It is also crucial to ensure your print bed is clean and free of dust, grease, or oils before starting a print. Cleaning the bed with water or isopropyl alcohol can help achieve this and improve adhesion.

If your printer doesn’t have a specialised build surface, tape or glue can help. PLA often sticks well to blue painter’s tape, while ABS works better with Kapton tape. You can also try temporary adhesives, such as hair spray or glue sticks. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your setup.

Last Resort: Brims and Rafts

Adding a brim or raft can increase bed adhesion if you’re printing a small part with limited surface area. A brim adds extra rings around the base of your part, expanding the surface area in contact with the bed. Alternatively, you can add a raft under your part, creating a larger adhesion surface.